More than 1,600 women whose lives have been touched by cancer celebrated survivors, supported sufferers and remembered those they had lost as they took part in an annual Race for Life event.

Runner delighted to be taking part in the Bury Race for Life Picture: ANDY ABBOTT

Dressed predominantly in pink, those taking part ran, jogged and walked 5,000 metres or 10,000 metres courses in the event staged at Nowton Park, Nowton Road, Bury St Edmunds, to raise funds for the work of Cancer Research UK.

With the weather perfect for the entrants, they were cheered on by friends and family as they took on the challenge across a variety of terrain.

It is the 18th year of the Bury Race for Life with just over £3million having been raised since 2000 – and yesterday’s event is set to add around £84,000.

Gill Burgess, events manager for Cancer Research UK in the eastern region, said: “It’s been an absolutely beautiful and really special day with such a lovely atmosphere – full of positivity, hope and celebration.

Crowds cheered on all the entrants over the two distances Picture: ANDY ABBOTT

“We have had women of all ages running and walking today, of all levels of ability and fitness, including some who are still going through treatment themselves for cancer, people who were taking part in memory of those they have lost, those who are celebrating survivors, or supporting someone who is going through it at the moment.

“Cancer is always close to someone’s hearts – most of us have been touched by cancer through knowing someone who has had the disease.

“We have had some great costumes, too, worn by the women and their dogs – lots of pink, which is our theme. It’s really an event for everybody.

“To think we have raised over £3m since 2000 is incredible. That money is used to research all types of cancers.”

Pink was the theme for the day with a range of costumes on show Picture: ANDY ABBOTT

She thanked the team of volunteers who had helped organise and run the event, most of them from the local area, acting as marshals and stewards. These included members of the 863 Thurston Air Cadets and the Bury St Edmunds Sea Cadets.

“Everyone who helped has been wonderful – including all those who lined the route and cheered and cheered – and helped create the lovely atmosphere we all enjoyed today at such a special venue,” she added.

The event also included stalls and a variety of activities to support the charity.

Entrants found the weather perfect for running Picture: ANDY ABBOTT

Joy for those completing the challenge Picture: ANDY ABBOTT

Organisers said the day had a fabulous atmosphere of hope and celebration Picture: ANDY ABBOTT

All ages took part - walking, jogging or running Picture: ANDY ABBOTT

The day is set to have raised around £84,000 for Cancer Research UK Picture: ANDY ABBOTT

Youngsters taking part in the Bury Race for Life Picture: ANDY ABBOTT

Friends and families joined together to take part in the event Picture: ANDY ABBOTT